Victor Virgil DeRose

Victor was a longtime resident of the Haslett/Okemos area. He was the Patriarch of the family.

Family was the single most important thing in this life. He went above and beyond when it came to caring for his wife and children up until the day he passed. Family traditions and gatherings were very important to him. Whether it was a holiday, birthday, or sporting event he enjoyed any type of celebration that involved his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family. His love was felt by all.

Victor graduated from Leslie High School in 1946. He proudly served his country in the Navy as an Airman from 1946-1948. Then he attended Michigan State University and earned a Bachelor and Master’s Degree in Education. He started his teaching career in 1952 at Haslett High School. After three years he moved to Lansing School District where he spent 41 years in secondary education. He did various things, including coaching, teaching, and coordinating youth-employment programs.

Over the years Victor touched many lives as a player, coach and teacher. He was highly respected and liked by his peers, players, students and friends.

Victor’s many athletic accomplishments started in high school where he played three varsity sports. He earned the honor of being inducted into the Leslie Hall of Fame this year. His love of sports led him to start a career in officiating where he retired after 25+ years. He was inducted into the BCAM Hall of Honor for Officiating in 1996. However, his involvement in sports continued when he became the operator of the 25 second clock at MSU football games and score board operator at MSU basketball games. He was very proud to work for his beloved Spartans for 30 years.

After retirement Vic and Dolores spent many enjoyable winters in Florida with family and friends. They traveled many places and attended numerous sporting events including the 1988 Rose Bowl.

Victor cherished so many friendships over his 92 years of life. It was important for him to stay connected to these friends up to the very end. Some of his favorite hobbies were tennis, bridge, and card games of any kind. He was not only a faithful Spartan fan (GO GREEN), but also loved all Detroit professional sports.

Victor is survived by his six children, Susan (David) Wilcox, David DeRose, John DeRose, Nancy Baran, Mary Trosko, and Stephen DeRose; 12 grandchildren, Ryan (Kacie) Wilcox, Chris (Danielle) Wilcox, Elizabeth (Kevin) Hedley, Matthew DeRose, Daniel DeRose, Michael (Jami) Baran, Robert (Samantha) Baran, James Baran, Victoria Trosko, Sarah Trosko, Alexandria Trosko, Jaden DeRose; 11 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Michelena DeRose, Marie Sanford and Patricia (Glen) Lewis. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Michael DeRose and his dear wife, Dolores.

Victor was a beloved father, son, brother, companion, husband, neighbor and friend.

A memorial mass will be held Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Martha Catholic Church, 1100 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864, with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Martha Catholic Church, 1100 W. Grand River Ave., Okemos, MI 48864 or The MSU willed body program, 939 Wilson Road, E206

East Lansing, MI 48824.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, East Chapel, East Lansing.

Share memories at www.greastlansing.com.